Melissa W.
Durham, NC
Dog Trainer & FurMomma
Pet care experience
***OPEN FOR NEW CLIENTS*** I worked for PetSmart for 2 years. I was a dog trainer for a year for PetSmart! I am a full time Dog Walker/pet sitter. I'm completely comfortable with dogs of all sizes. I have my own big boy Elvis! He is a 75lbs Boxer and Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. In my training experience, I handled from 1lb dachshunds to 200lbs German Shepards with success. I love them all and feel completely comfortable walking and playing with them. I only use positive reinforcement training lots of praise, cuddles, and treats (at your discretion). I can give oral medications and CPR, keep to a good schedule, walk and play as much as your dog needs and make sure they get plenty of snuggles! If I am out of town, it will be greyed out in the calendar. I travel to my clients. I do not do any boarding in home as I only live in a small apartment right now. I do keep a pet first aid kit in my car at all times just in case. Pet Care is my full-time job since 2020. I am open for new regulars!
Reviews
Melissa was great walking our 80-pound Rhodesian ridgeback puppy! She did a meet and greet beforehand and we felt very comfortable with her expertise in training and use of positive reinforcement. She sent pics and updates and we’ll definitely be using her services again! Thanks Melissa :)
Melissa was great with my boy and on time. Great communication.
Melissa was on time, attentive, and really worked well with our dog on the first walk! Thank you Melissa!!!
Excellent and reliable dog walker! Great communication and easy to work with!
About Melissa W.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a positive reinforcement training background so when sitting your pups those are the techniques I will use when asking for behaviors. If you inform me that you have a reactive dog, I will walk them shorter distances from the house for the duration of the walk. Safety always comes first! If a walk has to be cut early, I assure you it is for the safety of your pet and me. I do also have a Pet CPR certification and a first aid kit stays in my car.
Information Melissa W. would like to know about your pet
I don't have any breed or size preference. I would just like to know the name, any commands they know, and preferably if they have any special needs or dietary restrictions.
A typical day
We typically take walks on approved trails and go to dog parks that owners are comfortable with near the home or play ball in a fenced in location.
Services
Melissa can watch in your home
Availability
This is my full time job. I have been self-employed since 2020 thanks to awesome pet owners like yourself! I currently have openings for regular clients.
About Melissa W.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a positive reinforcement training background so when sitting your pups those are the techniques I will use when asking for behaviors. If you inform me that you have a reactive dog, I will walk them shorter distances from the house for the duration of the walk. Safety always comes first! If a walk has to be cut early, I assure you it is for the safety of your pet and me. I do also have a Pet CPR certification and a first aid kit stays in my car.
Information Melissa W. would like to know about your pet
I don't have any breed or size preference. I would just like to know the name, any commands they know, and preferably if they have any special needs or dietary restrictions.
A typical day
We typically take walks on approved trails and go to dog parks that owners are comfortable with near the home or play ball in a fenced in location.
Location
Durham, NC
Pets
Melissa W.
Durham, NC